January 17, 2020 - County News County News
Friday, January 17, 2020 | Volume 1 County invites groups to apply for Environmental What’s Inside Improvement Grant 2 Tax Installment Payment Plan In 2013, Lacombe County launched for assistance filling out applications Services by email at dburlock@ the Environmental Improvement or to answer any questions, please lacombecounty.com, or by phone 4 Rural Crime Watch Grant Program and Policy to provide contact Dion Burlock, Manager at 403-782-8959. financial assistance to community of Agriculture and Environmental 5 Radon screening kits groups and schools, helping them develop or deliver community-based 6 Mirror: dog license reminder environmental services and programs 7 Area contractor list within the County. 8 No Spray requests for 2020 The grant program involves an application form, regular reporting, 10 Ag Plastics/Twine recycling and the ability to demonstrate environmental benefits through the 10-11 Upcoming workshops proposed project. 13 Long-Range Planning Applications may be submitted to 14 Subdivision Activity & Map the County between February 1, 2020 and February 28, 2020, and 15 Employment Opportunities will only be taken during this time. There is limited funding available from 16 Ellis Bird Farm: Thank You the County for groups seeking funds for environmental programs in 2020 20 Council Highlights outside of the grant program, so we urge you not to miss this opportunity. 22-23 Events Around the County To find out if your group is eligible,
www.lacombecounty.com
Some images of past Environmental Improvement Grant recipients and their projects.
Left: Summer Village of Gull Lake Publication Mail Agreement No 0040025170 Top: Ellis Bird Return undeliverable items to: Farm Lacombe County Bottom Lacombe RR3, Lacombe, AB T4L 2N3 Junior High School
County News is available to read on our website every month. If you wish to stop receiving County News by mail, email [email protected] with your mailing address and we will take you off our mailing list. County News - January August 18,17, 20172020
Together, we can keep the lake healthy by removing or reporting abandoned ice fishing huts. Remember to remove your debris, take your waste and LEAVE NO TRACE to help protect fish & wildlife habitats. TAKE IT OFF! Register your ice hut at: (Sylvan Lake) www.sylvanlake.ca/take-it-off (Gull Lake & Buffalo Lake) www.lacombecounty.com/take-it-off
For environmental complaints, please call TAKE IT OFF! Alberta Environment & Parks Remove allRemove ice fishing Icehuts Fishingby March 31Huts • Respect the Lake • TakeHotline: your 1.800.222.6514 Garbage Leave NO Trace ALL YEAR!
Abandoning an ice fishing hut during the spring melt is NOT an option! Debris, including wood, gasoline, furniture, plastic and metal, ends up settling to the bottom of the lake or floating to the surface after the ice has left. This contamination is detrimental to fish and waterfowl habitats, and is a safety hazard for other users of the lake. No matter the season LEAVE NO TRACE!
As part of our TAKE IT OFF program, Lacombe County and its partners are asking you to register your ice hut. Registration allows for increased protection of yourFor environmental complaints, please call TAKEproperty and our lake.IT OFF! Alberta Environment & Parks Remove all ice fishing huts by March 31 Hotline: 1.800.222.6514
Abandoning an ice fishing hut during the spring melt is NOT an option! Debris, including wood, gasoline, furniture, plastic and metal, ends up settling to the bottom of the lake or floating to the surface after the ice has left. This 2020 Tax Installment Taxcontamination Installment is detrimental to fish and waterfowl habitats, and is a safety hazard for other users of the lake. No matter the season LEAVE NO TRACE! Payment Plan (TIPP)
As part of our TAKE IT OFF program, Lacombe County and its partners are asking The Tax Installment PAYMENTyou to register your ice hut. Registration PLAN allows for increased protection of your Payment Plan (TIPP) property and our lake. is a simple, secure and convenient way to pay your annual property taxes. Sign up TODAY When you sign up, monthly payments are automatically for the monthly plan. Automatic withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of Budget-friendly each month. To obtain an Contact Lacombe County at (403) 782-6601 or Simple application form, contact Lacombe County at (403) visit www.lacombecounty.com for more details. Convenient 782-6601 or visit www. lacombecounty.com.
2 January 17, 2020 - County News APPLY TODAY: Community Program Grants available Lacombe County is committed to Policy Guidelines/Procedures: the urban municipality in which the that receive support from the strengthening the quality of life for Eligibility: Urban municipalities program, event or activity is being County through other programs or residents and fostering civic pride within the County, and community held as that being requested from policies. by providing financial support for organizations in the urban the County; community programs, events and municipalities within the County and • Must receive at-least an equal Funding Allotment & Allocation: activities. within Lacombe County are eligible amount of funding from the Funding will be based on $0.75 per for funding, subject to the following community organization if the capita based on the current year Policy RC(9) - County Support of guidelines: program, event or activity is being official population of Lacombe County Community Programs, Events and held in the County; and and the urban municipalities within Activities provides additional support To be eligible for consideration, • Must take place in the County, or the County, with a $1,000 minimum for organizations in the County and programs: in the urban municipalities within allotment per town or village, and a its urban municipalities, as well as • Must demonstrate a need for the County in 2020. $500 minimum allotment per summer for the municipalities themselves. financial support from the County; village. Support will be given for events and • Must be held for the enjoyment The following are not eligible for activities which are held for the benefit and benefit of the general public; support under this policy: To view the Policy and a and enjoyment of the general public, • Must be hosted on an annual • capital facilities and equipment; downloadable application form, demonstrate a financial need, and basis and/or recognize significant • youth and adult sports teams and see the County Website at www. other criteria explained in the policy. milestone events; associated programs, events and lacombecounty.com under the • Must not charge an admission, activities; County Information tab at the top The application deadline is January entrance or registration fee for the • school reunions; of the home page, and click on 31st of each year; applicants will be program, event or activity; • private functions; Policies on the left hand menu. advised by March 31st of the status • Must receive at least an • community organizations, of their application. equivalent amount of funding from programs, events and activities Interactive website shows Albertans how the climate is changing in their backyard As Alberta’s climate changes, the demand for practi- average annual warming. They have warmed by four perature is 25 C or higher. cal information on climate extremes and their impact to five degrees in the south and by six to seven de- is increasing and University of Lethbridge professors, grees in the north since the 1950s.” While annual precipitation is projected to increase Dr. Stefan Kienzle, (Department of Geography & slightly, evaporation rates will strongly increase due Environment) and Christine Clark (Department of New The Alberta climate is also increasingly variable with to higher temperatures and a longer frost-free period, Media), have found a way to meet that demand. more extreme weather events and warm and cold resulting in overall drier soil conditions. The trend is spells. for more rainfall to fall on fewer days, increasing the They developed an interactive website, albertacli- risk of flooding causing severe damage, which has materecords.com, four years ago and have now “Under global climate change, we would expect that occurred more frequently in recent years. updated it to include observed weather records from we would have an increase in heat waves and we 1951 to 2017, three future climate projections (2041 have that,” says Kienzle. “We have two to four times ~ University of Lethbridge media release & photo to 2070), and 55 climate variables, such as number of more heat waves per year compared to the 1950s. frost days, length of the growing season and rainfall Interestingly, cold spells have also increased by a fac- extremes. With more than 100 high-resolution maps tor of two to four.” available for download, the website is of particular in- terest to farmers, ranchers, foresters, water-resource This fall has been a prime example of that increased managers, infrastructure planners or anyone who variability and its impact on farmers. These weather wants to see how Alberta’s climate has changed. swings present more risks to farmers, whether it means harvest cannot be completed or yields are “We need to be prepared for what’s happening and lower due to lack of precipitation or increased heat this is what the website’s about,” says Kienzle. “We stress on crops. want to inform Albertans about what’s going on in their backyard and how our weather patterns have The good news for growers is that the growing sea- changed. Then anyone can at least anticipate what son is longer, creating more flexibility in seeding and weather patterns are occurring in their region now and harvesting, although the date of last frost has not in the future and adapt accordingly.” changed significantly. Farmers also have opportuni- ties to grow a wider variety of crops due to more heat The updated website is designed to provide key in- units in the air and higher temperatures. For example, formation for climate vulnerability assessment across currently farmers living in the Pincher Creek area Alberta. Users can pinpoint a location in the province cannot grow corn now because of a lack of heat units and generate a wealth of weather information for that and a shorter growing season; that could change in area. the future.
“It is clearly getting warmer in Alberta and it’s get- A new feature of the website is future climate pro- University of Lethbridge professor, Dr. Stefan ting warmer much faster than most of the rest of the jections. Kienzle chose three climate models most Kienzle. world,” says Kienzle. “The average annual tempera- relevant to Alberta to project the climate from 2041 to ture in southern Alberta has gone up by one-and-a- 2070. For southern Alberta, those projections show half to two degrees and by two to over three degrees even warmer temperatures, a declining number of in northern Alberta. Winters are the key driver of this frost days and more summer days where the tem- 3 County News - January August 18,17, 20172020 RURAL CRIME WATCH When to call 911? Medicine River Crime Watch Society CRIME WATCH MEETING ~ Thursday, February 27, 2020 @ 7pm Complaints vs. emergencies The Medicine River Crime Watch Society invites YOU to a Crime Watch Meeting in We often get asked, "When should Eckville on February 27, 2020. we call 911?" 911 is for police, fire, or medical emergencies when immedi- Date: Thursday, February 27, 2020 ate action is required: someone’s Time: 7:00 p.m. health, safety or property is in immi- Location: ECKVILLE COMMUNITY CENTRE nent jeopardy, or a crime is in prog- ress. 911 should be called for: Any Details: The guest speaker is the Crown Prosecutor and Assistant life-threatening emergency, any crime Crown Prosecutor from Red Deer, who will be hosting a in progress and for impaired drivers. question and answer session with attendees. Local police stations have complaint Please bring a snack to share for the meeting. Door prizes will lines that can be called if you re- be drawn at the end of the meeting. quire police assistance. This number should be used for crimes that have Memberships are available - 5 years for $25. occurred in the past, noise com- plaints and minor incidents.
For more information, please email: [email protected] For general inquiries and com- plaints during the day, please call: • Bashaw RCMP - (780) 372-3593 • Blackfalds RCMP - (403) 885- 3333 Alberta Provincial • Sylvan Lake RCMP - (403) 887- 3333 Rural Crime Watch Association • Rimbey RCMP - (403) 843-2223 • Ponoka RCMP - (403) 783-4471 The Alberta Rural Crime Watch Association Check out the • Lacombe Police - (403) 782-3279 (APRCWA) has its beginning roots in rural MAP at www. Alberta, during a time when concerned ruralcrimewatch. If you accidentally call 911: Albertans, operating locally, felt a need for ab.ca to find a Rural Crime Watch Please stay on the line and advise the operator it was an accident. If a a provincial organization to tie together the Association in your area (Lacombe County 911 hang-up is received the RCMP scattering of local rural crime groups and has information on local crime watch groups will follow-up by finding out who the associations. on its website at www.lacombecounty.com). number is registered to, and calling and sending police officers to your This gave the cause, a provincial identity, and Want to report something suspicious and location to ensure you are okay. This the opportunity to seek provincial funding to don't know the RCMP phone number? We process takes up a lot of time, so if cover initiatives, such as crime prevention, have an APP to help in locating the nearing you accidentally call 911, stay on the with updates in Crime Prevention Through RCMP detachment in Alberta when there is line, or answer the phone when they Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts. a need to report a suspicious person or a call back. You will not get in trouble. The principles in CPTED form the base person in distress. More information can be Don't program 911 into your speed for our crime prevention sessions held found by visiting www.ruralcrimewatch.ab.ca. dial. It only takes a second to dial it throughout the province. and when it's pre-programmed, it's easy to dial accidentally.
4 January 17, 2020 - County News SAFETY FIRST Radon screening kits now available through Parkland Regional Libraries Parkland Regional Library (PRL) has partnered with the Alberta Lung Association, and with support from Health Canada, we are proud to launch Radon Screening Kits as an addition to the other materials patrons can borrow. Ronald Sheppard, Director of Parkland Regional Library System says “Radon gas is common throughout Canada and can pose a serious health threat in high concentrations. We are very pleased to partner with the Alberta Lung Association to provide these kits to our libraries so the public will have access to free radon screening.” Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that comes from the breakdown of uranium in the ground and can build up in Remember to be Snow Smart homes undetected. Exposure to radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Recent research from the Canada's fabulous winter wonderland brings and never ski out of bounds. University of Calgary indicated that one in six homes in snow enthusiasts out in droves each year. From western Canada have high radon levels. snowshoeing, to skiing, to snowmobiling and back 5. Snowmobile safely. country adventures, the opportunities to enjoy the • Keep your speed slow enough to stay in control “Knowing your home’s radon level is the first step in outdoors in the winter are endless! Before you seek of your snowmobile. determining if you and your family are at risk. We are out your thrills, be sure that you are well prepared • Alcohol use is a leading cause of proud to partner with Parkland Regional Library with for the potential dangers that come with playing in snowmobiling-related fatalities. support from Health Canada to provide residents in Canada’s snowy and icy environments. • Respect closed areas. central Alberta with free radon screening kits. Don’t wait, • Ensure you're properly trained and equipped to test your home today!” says Leigh Allard, President & If you are going into the back county, make sure survive a night outside. CEO, Alberta Lung Association that you are avalanche and tree-well aware, that Health Canada encourages Canadians to test their you know what to write in your trip plan, and that 6. Test the ice. homes for radon to minimize risks of lung cancer. Using you have all the essentials to make every winter • Check ice thickness before heading out. the new screening kits available, patrons at any of PRL’s outing safe and enjoyable. • Always stay off ice that is 7cm (3 in) or less. member libraries can gain awareness of radon levels in • The minimum ice depth for ice fishing, walking, their home. The Health Canada Guideline recommends 1. Have the right gear. and cross country skiing is 10cm (4 in). that Canadians take action to reduce the level of radon • Dress in layers to help regulate body • The minimum ice depth for one snowmobile or found in homes if the level is above 200 Bq/m3. temperature. ATV is 12cm (5 in). “Every home has radon. The important factor is knowing • Keep your head, ears and hands covered to how much. The only way to know is to test,” notes An- avoid frostbite. 7. If you break through the ice, know what to drew Heshka, regional Radiation Specialist with Health • Wear your helmet, especially when skiing, do. Canada in Alberta. “Screening your home with a kit now skating, snowboarding, and snowmobiling. • Don't panic. Your clothing will trap air and keep available through Parkland Regional Library is an easy, you buoyant. affordable first step in taking action on radon, and in 2. Be avalanche aware. • Turn towards the direction you came from protecting your family’s lung health in the long term.” • Know the avalanche dangers in your area. and place your hands and arms flat on the • Check avalanche bulletins before heading out. unbroken surface. The screening kits are free and can be checked out at • Carry and practice with an avalanche beacon, • Kick your feet and try to push yourself up on any of PRL’s member libraries. The kits are for initial probe and shovel. top of the unbroken ice on your stomach, like a screening only. Long-term radon testing, for 3 months, • Avalanches involving people don't occur seal. is required after the screening to get an accurate annual randomly. Over 90 per cent of the time, the • Once you are lying on the ice, don't stand up. average radon level in a home. Each of the kits available victims or someone in their group triggers the Roll away from the break until you are on solid explain the basics of radon, how to use the screening snow slide. ice. kit, and what to do after completing the screening test. • Be avalanche aware in Alberta, and when The kits can be put on hold and checked out for a period visiting other areas, such as BC's back country. 8. Leave a trip plan. of three weeks. • Your trip plan explains your destination, travel 3. Respect boundaries. route, equipment, and expected return time. • Going out-of-bounds is extremely dangerous. • This vital information can help search and Anyone interested in borrowing a Radon • You not only endanger your life, but also the rescue volunteers, in case of an emergency. Screening Kit can put one on hold or talk to lives of search and rescue volunteers. staff in their local library. Learn more at 4. Ski and snowboard responsibly. • Know and follow the Alpine Responsibility https://www.adventuresmart.ca. Code. If a run is closed, respect the signage 5 County News - January August 18,17, 20172020 MIRROR CORNER Mirror residents reminded to shovel sidewalks Residents in Mirror are reminded that all snow and ice must be removed from their sidewalks within 48 hours of a snowfall, pursuant to Bylaw 1098/09.
Should the County have to pay for an employee or contractor to clear the snow/ ice from a property, the occupant or owner will be charged for the cost and may face additional fines. 2020 Mirror dog license renewal A license is required for all dogs in Mirror. Dog tag renewal reminders were mailed out in early December 2019. The fee is $15.00 for an altered dog, and $25.00 for an unaltered dog. After February 1, 2020, the cost will go to $30 for an altered dog, and $50 for an unaltered dog. For more information please call 403- 782-6601 or visit www.lacombecounty.com (County Services, Forms & Applications, PDF Forms and Applications).
Lacombe County will issue a tag for each dog, which must be attached to a collar worn by the dog at all times. Lacombe Stay up to date! County Enforcement Officers will be doing Follow us on social media checks to ensure compliance in the coming weeks. /LacombeCounty If you would like to report a contravention of the Dog Control Bylaw please call 403-506- 9380 or email [email protected]. @LacombeCounty For animal welfare issues, please contact the Alberta SPCA http://www.albertaspca. www.lacombecounty.com org.
please call (403) 782-6601 or visit www. Mirror Library Mirror and District Museum lacombecounty.com (County Services Join us Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 7 Meetings are on the first Monday of the >Hamlet of Mirror>Policies/Bylaws>Dog p.m. Check out our new selection of month at 7 p.m. Call 403-788-3828 for Control). books and movies, or access high-speed more information. Friends of the Mirror Library Society Wi-Fi Internet. Thanks to Lacombe For Rent County, you can now connect to the The library is open Wednesdays 1 Large room in Mirror Business Centre, world at Mirror Public Library. 2020 Mirror Dog Tags p.m. - 7 p.m. If you are interested in the for rent by month or day. Contact Jim library, we invite you to join our Mirror Mirror Royal Canadian Legion Branch A license is required for all dogs in Sturgeon 403-788-2380 or Tasha Library Board. Your interest and input are Conway ATB 403-788-3001 Mirror. Dog tag renewal reminders 189 - 5015 50th Avenue welcomed! were mailed out earlier this month. Meat Draws Saturday at 4 p.m. General CN Rail crossing delays The fee is $15.00 for an altered dog, Jolly Seniors meetings second Sunday at 1 p.m. If you experience delays longer than 20 and $25.00 for an unaltered dog. On Pancake breakfast every second Sunday (unless otherwise posted). minutes at the Mirror rail yard crossing, February 1, 2020, the cost will go to from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mirror Skate Park call CN Rail at 1-800-465-9239. Follow $30 for an altered dog, and $50 for an Booking Mirror Community Hall Located across the street by the the prompts and be ready to provide unaltered dog. For more information details shown on the crossing signal mast Call Lisa 403-788-3890 or cell 403- community hall. Meetings occur the to CN personnel. Transport Canada may 505-3894. second Tuesday of month. be reached at 1-888-463-0521. 6 January 17, 2020 - County News Area contractors who may be interested in plowing laneways in the County (Also see TELUS Yellow Pages “Excavating”) ECKVILLE
Bentley Plumbing & Trenching Ltd (Harold) ....403.748.2424 Moore’s Backhoe Service (Ross) ...... 403.588.7705 Eagle Lake Transport (Allan) ...... 403.302.7527 Rocky Mountain Design and Landscaping ...... 403.588.8401 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott) ...... 403.896.1009 Skocdopole Construction Ltd...... 403.746.5744
BENTLEY
Bentley Plumbing and Trenching Ltd (Harold).403.748.2424 Link Ventures ...... 403.885.4555 C. Edmunds Contracting (Calvin) ...... 780.914.8450 Moore’s Backhoe Service (Ross)...... 403.588.7705 Conasph (Chantel)...... 403.341.6900 Pebble Pushers Gravel Co (Darren) ...... 403.885.5081 Dennis Duncan ...... 403.748.2413 Rocky Mountain Design and Landscaping...... 403.588.8401 Fred Brink ...... 403.391.0921 Throwdown Weld & Skidsteer Service (Eric)... 403.877.5841 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott) ...... 403.896.1009 Worms Trucking (Scott Garries)...... 403.304.9460
BLACKFALDS
Conasph (Chantel)...... 403.341.6900 Rocky Mountain Design and Landscaping..... 403.588.8401 Ground Werx Coatings(Jon) ...... 403.318.3006 Sherba Skidsteer Services (Justin) ...... 587.729.0299 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott) ...... 403.896.1009 Throwdown Weld & Skidsteer Service. (Eric).. 403.877.5841 Link Ventures...... 403.885.4555 Pebble Pushers Gravel Co (Darren)...... 403.885.5081
LACOMBE
Bentley Plumbing and Trenching (Harold)...... 403.748.2424 Link Ventures ...... 403.885.4555 Black Wolf Excavating ...... 403.782.8722 Moore’s Backhoe Service (Ross)...... 403.588.7705 Bob Dick Trucking...... 403.350.6357 Paul’s Road Maintenance Ltd...... 403.742.9704 C. Edmunds Contracting (Calvin) ...... 780.914.8450 Pebble Pushers Gravel Co (Darren) ...... 403.885.5081 Conasph (Chantel)...... 403.341.6900 Rocky Mountain Design and Landscaping...... 403.588.8401 Gord Douglas...... 403.782.6292 Sherba Skidsteer Services (Justin) ...... 587.729.0299 Ground Werx Coatings (Jon) ...... 403.318.3006 Thompson Ditching ...... 403.782.5911 Drake Excavating (Jason)...... 403.304.3887 Throwdown Weld & Skidsteer Service. (Eric).. 403.877.5841 Jackson Construction & Excavating ...... 403.782.4024 Worms Trucking (Scott Garries)...... 403.304.9460 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott) ...... 403.896.1009
CLIVE
Applejack Service ...... 403.896.7544 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott)...... 403.896.1009 A Scott Contracting (John)...... 403.747.2991 Link Ventures ...... 403.885.4555 Cat Scratch Ltd (Jason) ...... 780.291.0408 Paul’s Road Maintenance Ltd...... 403.742.6116 Conasph (Chantel)...... 403.341.6900 Pebble Pushers Gravel Co (Darren) ...... 403.885.5081 Ground Werx Coatings (Jon) ...... 403.318.3006 Wil Les Backhoe Services (Willy)...... 403.357.9626 John’s Grader Service ...... 403.784.3350
ALIX
Applejack Service ...... 403.896.7544 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd (Scott) ...... 403.896.1009 A Scott Contracting (John)...... 403.747.2991 Bill Russell Sand & Gravel (South of Alix)...... 403.747.2857 Cat Scratch Ltd (Jason) ...... 780.291.0408 Paul’s Road Maintenance Ltd...... 403.742.9704 Conasph (Chantel)...... 403.341.6900 Wil Les Backhoe Services (Willy)...... 403.357.9626 John’s Grader Service ...... 403.784.3350
MIRROR
Applejack Service ...... 403.896.7544 Kat Scott Enterprises Ltd. (Scott)...... 403.896.1009 A Scott Contracting (John)...... 403.747.2991 Paul’s Road Maintenance Ltd...... 403.742.9704 Cat Scratch Ltd (Jason) ...... 780.291.0408 Wil Les Backhoe Services (Willy)...... 403.357.9626
If you wish to have your name added or removed from this list, please contact the Lacombe If youCounty wish Public to have Works/Operations your name added Department. or removed from this list please contact: Phone: 403.782.8379Lacombe or email County [email protected] Public Works/Operations Department Phone: 403.782.8379 or email [email protected] 7
Revised: January 2018 County News - January August 18,17, 20172020 ENVIRONMENT County reminds anglers of “Take it Off” program on Buffalo Lake, Gull Lake, & Request for “No Spray” Areas Sylvan Lake Take it Offprogram ice hut registrations are open for the Lacombe County recognizes that some landowners/tenants are not in favor of having County-owned roadside ditches adjacent to their property treated 2019-2020 ice fishing season. with herbicides for weed control. To accommodate these landowner/tenants Lacombe County will, at the request of the landowner/tenants, allow the option With colder weather here, Lacombe County would like to remind people of carrying out vegetation control on County right-of-way adjacent to their with ice fishing huts on local lakes about the Take it Off program for Gull property subject to the following conditions: Lake, Sylvan Lake, and Buffalo Lake.
• Landowner/tenant will complete a ‘No Spray’ request form and submit it “The Take it Off to the County’s Agricultural Fieldman prior to April 30 of that year. The program is a great request is for a three-year term. way to protect our • Landowner/tenant will control all Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds water resources, and as designed under the Weed Control Act before July 15 or as deemed we remind people necessary by the Agricultural Fieldman for all years affected by the that they need to re- register each year to agreement. get their identification • The County will control, by all means necessary, all Prohibited Noxious or card,” said Jalene Noxious weeds not controlled by July 15. Makus, Lacombe County Agriculture • All agreements will be automatically terminated should the control of Coordinator. “Most Prohibited Noxious and Noxious weeds not be carried out as stated in of the people on the condition 2, and future agreements will be at the discretion of the Agricul- lakes understand the tural Fieldman. importance of taking • The County reserves the right to cancel any agreements and implement their huts and garbage any control deemed necessary at any time. out with them before spring arrives, and this program helps ensure that happens.”
To Request a ‘No Spray’ Agreement or for further information, Why is it important to register your ice hut? please call 403-782-8959. Registering is entirely voluntary, and it ensures that each hut is accounted for at the end of the ice fishing season, reducing the likelihood of ice huts falling through the ice in the spring and polluting the lake. This protects the environment and ensures the safety of fish and animals that depend on that water source, as well as lake users throughout the year. Registration of huts also protects ice fishing huts from vandalism and theft, and helps identify the owner of ice huts in the event of any issues related to ice hut property.
The registration process is quick, easy and free of charge. Once completed, an identification card will be mailed to each angler. Ice hut Is your mailing address up-to-date? identification cards must be clearly displayed on the outside of each ice
hut. Lacombe County reminds anglers to inform us about any changes If your address has changed, make sure to notify us. Call 403-782-6601 of contact information by contacting the Lacombe County Office. or email [email protected]. We also recommend updating the title of your property with Alberta To register an ice hut on Sylvan Lake please visit www.sylvanlake.ca/ take-it-off. Anglers on both Gull Lake and Buffalo Lake can register Land Titles. You can obtain a form from us, by calling 780-427-2742, or their ice hut online by visiting the Lacombe County website: http://www. online https://www.alberta.ca/land-titles-overview.aspx (under Change lacombecounty.com/take-it-off or by calling the County Office at 403- of address and name). 782-8959.
8 January 17, 2020 - County News OPERATIONS
Snow Removal Concerns
DO YOU HAVE GRAVEL?
Did you know that pushing snow out of your driveway across the road is not only illegal – it can be dangerous.
Blocking all or part the road can lead to accidents because the To ensure we have a reliable supply of gravel to maintain our large snow piles may obstruct visibility. In addition, the snow clear- County roads, Lacombe County is always on the lookout for ing equipment can damage the roadway by creating ridges on the new gravel sources. Gravel is an important, non-renewable surface. resource necessary for construction and maintenance of roads. Lacombe County reminds residents to refrain from this activity. If you require assistance with snow removal, please contact a con- tractors in the area (see page 7). WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK I HAVE GRAVEL ON MY LAND? If you think you have gravel on your property, and you wish to investigate further, please contact the County office at 403-782-8379 and speak with the Operations Department. County staff will come out to meet with you and arrange for testing. While the testing involves digging a test hole or holes, it is done in the least invasive way practical.
There is no obligation on the part of the Land Owner if suitable gravel is found. The County will dis- cuss options and work with the land owner on a possible agreement for access and use of the land.
IS THE GROUND ARE THERE GRAVEL PITS DO YOU HAVE LOW LYING ROCKY? NEARBY? PROPERTY?
DO YOU HAVE A CREEK/RIVER BED ON HAVE YOU FOUND ROCKS DURING YOUR PROPERTY? EXCAVATION WORK?
WWW.LACOMBECOUNTY.COM — TWITTER @LACOMBECOUNTY — 403.782.8379
For employment opportunities, please check out our website at: www.lacombecounty.com (Click on ‘Employment Opportunities’ under the ‘Quick Links’ menu on the left.)
9 County News - January August 18,17, 20172020 AGRICULTURE Recycling ag plastics and twine in Lacombe County After launching the Agricultural Plastics • Grain bag collection services are Recycling bags are available free of Recycling program in 2018, Lacombe offered free of charge. charge at Lacombe County office or County was selected as a participant Lacombe Regional Waste Services in a provincially funded agricultural Twine recycling details Commission Transfer Sites. plastics pilot project. The pilot project Producers can pick up Clean Farms is managed through the Agricultural 3. Return – Return to a Lacombe Twine Recycling Bags at the La- Regional Waste Services Commis- Plastics Recycling Group which has combe County office and at any contracted Clean Farms to design and sion Transfer Site during regular Lacombe Regional Waste Services business hours. deliver the pilot project. Commission Transfer site during Lacombe County residents under the regular business hours. Twine will To book grain bag collection or fur- pilot project now have the opportunity Requirements: only be accepted if it is placed in the ther questions regarding agriculture to recycle plastic grain bags and twine. • Agriculture producers who request Clean Farms Twine Recycling Bag, and plastic recycling, please call 403- then brought to the collection site. Please note: Net wrap or netting and grain bag recycling services must 782-8959. provide one individual on site who bale/silage wrap are NOT part of this Requirements: is capable of assisting the rolling program and will not be collected for 1. Shake – Remove as much debris, recycling at this time. and collection operation. snow or ice as possible. Exces- Grain Bag Recycling details • Grain bags MUST BE FREE of sively dirty twine may be rejected, grain, mud, dirt debris, and vermin. or subject to a landfill tipping fee or This service is offered free of charge to additional charges at drop off. agriculture producers operating within • To ensure used grain bags are eli- Lacombe County. The grain bags will gible for recycling, grain bag collec- 2. Bag – Place loose twine in a Clean be rolled and collected on farm site for tion services should be scheduled Farms Twine Recycling Bag and eventual delivery to a plastic recycling within one week of grain extraction. tie bags to close. Please do not center in Alberta. knot the twine. Clean Farms Twine Ag Funding Workshop details Agricultural Funding Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding EFPs benefit producers in a number of ways: The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion federal-provincial-territorial • They identify what you are doing well and Workshop for Producers investment in the agriculture, agri-food and pinpoint areas of improvement. agri-based products sector that began in April • By addressing these risks you increase operational efficiency while reducing farm Considering an improvement on your operation? 2018, and is the successor of the 2013-18 Growing Forward 2 partnership. costs, which results in increased profit for Learn about provincial funding programs and receive application you. assistance for Canadian Agricultural Partnership applications and In Alberta, the Canadian Agricultural • With your EFP completion certificate, you Environmental Farm Plans. Partnership represents a federal - provincial become eligible for some funding under investment of $406 million in strategic the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. 10a.m. - 12p.m. programs and initiatives for the agricultural • Pairing environmental stewardship with • Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) sector. In consultation with stakeholders, agricultural production is also crucial in the Funding programs were developed under five themes. marketing of your products (i.e. Sustain- • Environmental Farm Plan February 26, 2020 • ALUS Program Our workshop will focus on funding available able sourcing). Lacombe County Offi ce (Alternative Land Use Services) through the Environmental Sustainability and 10a.m. – 3p.m. 12p.m. LUNCH Climate Change theme: ALUS Program (Alternative Land Use Ser- vices) 12:30 - 3p.m • Riparian Management One-on-one assistance with Environmental ALUS Lacombe County will provide financial Farm Plans and CAP Funding applications • Manure and Livestock Facilities and technical support to Lacombe County’s Management agricultural producers and landowners, in Laptops will be available. Lunch is included. RSVP to 403.782.8959 • Agriculture Input and Waste return for their active management of the ALUS Management projects established on their lands. • Innovation • Commercial Manure Applicators Lacombe County's four priority areas are: Alberta Environmental Farm Plan • Riparian zone conservation and The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a vol- enhancement along waterways untary, whole farm, self-assessment tool that • Creating eco-buffers and improving helps producers identify their environmental traditional shelterbelts risks and develop plans to mitigate identified • Lake water quality conservation and risks. enhancement • Wetland conservation and Maintaining a healthy environment is essential enhancement to the success of Alberta’s agricultural produc- ers. The EFP program helps you identify and Like all ALUS programs, ALUS Lacombe Coun- address environmental risks in your operation. ty is completely voluntary for local agricultural It will also increase your understanding of legal producers and landowners, and is overseen by requirements related to environmental issues. a Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC). 10 January 17, 2020 - County News AGRICULTURE Mountain Pine Beetle Information Session @ Gilby Hall SAVE THE DATE January 30, 2020 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Gilby Hall Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Cookies and coff ee will be served.
With the discovery of Mountain Pine Beetles on several Lacombe County properties, we are hosting an information session to discuss: